AC Cabin Trucks in India 2025: Merits, Demerits, and Top 5 Models Explained

Trucks in India are the backbone of the transport system, carrying goods across cities, highways, and rural areas. Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, often in extreme weather conditions. Summers in India are always very hot especially in north India, making driving uncomfortable and tiring. That’s why having an air-conditioned (AC) cabin in a truck is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. For years, drivers have been battling extreme heat, spending long hours on the road in uncomfortable conditions.

The Indian Government has announced a new rule for the commercial vehicle industry. From 1st October 2025, all new medium and heavy trucks must have air-conditioned (AC) cabins. The goal is to improve driver comfort and safety, especially in the hot and challenging conditions found in many parts of India. The AC units in these trucks will need to meet specific standards, set by IS14618:2022. This rule applies to trucks in the N2 and N3 categories, which are mainly used for long-distance transport. Trucks with a GVW of 3.5 to 12 tonnes (light and intermediate commercial vehicles) fall under the N2 category. Trucks with a GVW exceeding 12 tonnes (medium and heavy commercial vehicles) fall under the N3 category. 

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, mentioned that the idea of AC cabins was first proposed in 2016, but some people opposed it due to concerns about higher costs. While the cost of adding AC cabins may increase the price of trucks by around Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000, Gadkari believes the benefits for driver comfort and safety make it worthwhile.

The move to make AC cabins mandatory in trucks is a step toward improving truck driver safety and comfort. In India truck drivers often work long hours in extreme heat above 45°C. This can lead to dehydration and health issues. These issues make the journey tiring. AC cabins will help drivers stay cooler healthier and more focused on the road. AC cabin trucks in India come in various body types. Many Indian truck models don't have factory-fitted AC cabins. However, most offer AC cabin options as an upgrade. In this article, we will discuss why every truck must have an AC cabin, its drawbacks and list the top 5 AC cabin trucks in India.

Why AC Cabins Are Important in Trucks

More Comfortable Driving: Driving in extreme heat for hours is tough. The heat inside a truck cabin can become unbearable, making drivers tired and irritated. An AC cabin keeps the temperature cool and comfortable, making long journeys easier and less stressful. This also helps drivers focus better and reduces the chances of accidents.

Improves Safety: Too much heat can cause dehydration, heatstroke, and other health problems. Truck drivers often face these issues, especially in summer. An AC cabin helps keep the temperature balanced and reduces health risks. This means fewer sick days and a better overall work experience for drivers. When it’s too hot, drivers can get tired, sweaty, and even dizzy. This increases the risk of accidents. AC cabins keep them fresh and alert, helping them drive safely.

Boosts Productivity: A tired driver takes more breaks and might need extra time to complete trips. With an AC cabin, drivers feel less exhausted and can work more efficiently. This helps businesses deliver goods on time.

Protects Goods and Equipment: Some goods, like medicines, food items, and electronics, need to be transported at a stable temperature. If the truck cabin has AC, it helps keep the environment inside the truck more controlled, reducing the risk of damage.

Encourages More People to Join Trucking: In India, many young people don’t want to become truck drivers because the job is tough. Adding AC cabins can make trucking a better career option, attracting more skilled drivers to the industry.

Drawbacks of AC Cabins for Trucks

The mandate of AC cabins for trucks in India brings several benefits but also has some drawbacks to consider. Here are the main drawbacks:

Increased Buying Cost: The main drawback is the added cost of installing AC units in trucks. This can be a financial strain for truck manufacturers and fleet owners, especially smaller businesses. The cost to equip a truck with AC can range from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000, depending on the vehicle size and AC unit specifications.

Higher Fuel Consumption: AC units consume engine power, which can reduce fuel efficiency by 2-5%. This can lead to higher operating costs for fleet owners, especially with rising fuel prices.

Maintenance Concerns: AC units need regular maintenance. This increases maintenance costs for fleet owners.

Also Read: Top 5 Tata Signa Trucks in India 2025

Top 5 AC Cabin Trucks in India

If you are looking for trucks with AC cabins in India, here are some of the Top 5 AC Cabin Trucks in India:

Tata Prima 3530.K HRT

The Tata Prima 3530.K HRT is one of the top AC cabin tipper trucks in India. It features a comfortable, car-like cabin with modern features such as fuel economy switches, hill start assist, engine brake, and gear shift advisor. This TATA truck is powered by a Cummins 6.7-litre BS6 diesel engine paired with a Tata G1350 gearbox. This truck offers 300 hp of power and 1200 Nm of torque. The Tata Prima 3530.K HRT comes with 12 tyres and has a gross vehicle weight of 35,000 kg. Tata Prima 3530.K HRT price in India ranges between Rs 67.28 lakh and Rs 68.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

Eicher Pro 8055

The Eicher Pro 8055 is a powerful AC cabin-equipped truck in 2025. The truck runs on a VEDX8, 6-cylinder BS6 diesel engine. It is paired with a 9-speed manual transmission. This truck offers 350 hp power and 1350 Nm torque. It has a gross vehicle weight of 55,000 kg. This truck comes with useful features for smooth operation. It has a fuel coaching system that helps drivers choose the right gear at different rpm levels. It also offers multiple driving modes for different loads and a cruise control system. The price of Eicher Pro 8055 in India starts from Rs 52.29 lakh (ex-showroom).

Mahindra Blazo X 35

The Mahindra Blazo X 35 is a cargo truck with a 35,000 kg gross vehicle weight. It offers an optional AC unit, which is fitted at the factory on request. The truck also features a twin-steer axle for better weight distribution and a shorter turning radius. With 20.70% gradeability, it can easily carry heavy loads on steep roads like flyovers. The Mahindra Blazo X 35 provides a mileage of 4.5 kmpl. It runs on a 7.2-litre FuelSmart BS6-compliant diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed Eaton manual gearbox. The engine generates 276.25 hp of power and 1050 Nm of torque. The price of the Mahindra Blazo X 35 in India ranges from Rs 37.90 lakh to Rs 38.95 lakh (ex-showroom).

Ashok Leyland 2620 AVTR

The Ashok Leyland 2620 AVTR truck is known for its performance and advanced technology, making it a popular choice for long-distance travel and heavy-duty tasks. It has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 25,500 kg. It is powered by an H series CRS engine with iGen-6 technology, delivering 200 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque.

The truck offers a payload capacity of 16.75 tons and comes with a 6x2 axle configuration. It is available in two variants: Cowl with Chassis and Cabin and Chassis, with body length options ranging from 24 to 32 feet. The Ashok Leyland 2620 AVTR also comes with a 4-year or 4 lakh km driveline warranty, and a service interval of 40,000 km for oil changes.

BharatBenz 2826R

The BharatBenz 2826R is a truck designed for commercial cargo transport. It has a 28,000 kg gross vehicle weight. It comes with a host of features, including a factory-fitted air conditioning system, power windows, a 12V mobile charging socket, a USB charging port, and power steering, all as standard. The truck is powered by a 6D26 BS6-compliant diesel engine, paired with a G85, 6-speed manual transmission. The price of the BharatBenz 2826R in India ranges from Rs 41.20 lakh to Rs 43.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: Benefits of Buying Montra Eviator In India

CMV360 Says

The decision to make AC cabins mandatory in trucks starting October 2025 is a good move for improving the working conditions of truck drivers in India. With extreme heat, especially in northern regions, drivers often face uncomfortable and unsafe driving conditions. AC cabins will not only make their journey more comfortable but also improve safety, and productivity, and attract more people to the trucking profession. In the long run, this change will also benefit businesses by ensuring timely deliveries and protecting sensitive goods. It’s a much-needed upgrade for the sector.

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